Majestic ancient tower beside the Lo Giang River

Enduring through the ages, the ancient Binh Son Tower, located in Tam Son commune, is a rare architectural masterpiece that has been preserved almost intact to this day. Ranked as a Special National Monument, the Binh Son Tower - Vinh Khanh Pagoda complex not only holds profound historical and cultural value but is also a source of pride for the local people and an attractive destination for tourists from near and far.

Unique architectural and cultural value

Situated on high, stable ground, the ancient Binh Son Tower has long been intertwined with the spiritual life of the people of Tam Son. Also known as the Then Tower or Vinh Khanh Pagoda Tower, it dates back to the Ly-Tran dynasties, hundreds of years ago. Historical records indicate that initially, the tower had 13-15 stories, with a lotus bud-shaped spire reaching high, symbolizing purity and the aspiration for a peaceful and happy life.

Having withstood numerous vicissitudes, the tower now has 11 floors and a base, standing 16.5 meters tall. It was constructed using thousands of fired bricks with ancient stacking and joining techniques. Each floor of the tower tapers towards the top, creating an elegant appearance that connects heaven and earth. The exquisite carvings, such as winding dragons, lions, chrysanthemums, Bodhi leaves, and lotus petals, reflect the flourishing art of the Ly-Tran dynasties and showcase the skillful hands and refined artistic sensibilities of the ancients.

Mr. Le Trung, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Tam Son Commune, affirmed: "Binh Son Tower is one of the few tallest terracotta towers from the Tran Dynasty that still exist today. The architectural, artistic, and historical value of the monument is extremely special. For many years, the locality has established a Monument Management Board, mobilizing the community to work together to preserve, protect, and promote the value of this heritage."

The unique architecture of Binh Son Tower

Binh Son Tower not only possesses artistic value but also serves as a sacred cultural and spiritual space for the people of Tam Son. On the 15th and 1st days of the lunar month, locals and tourists often visit Vinh Khanh Pagoda to offer incense, pray for blessings, and pay respects, creating a unique cultural and spiritual tradition.

Promoting the value of historical relics and preserving them for future generations.

Previously, the pagoda festival was held annually on the full moon of the first lunar month, featuring solemn ceremonies and lively festivities that attracted large numbers of people and tourists. For various reasons, the festival was interrupted, but in the Spring of the Year of the Dragon 2024, the Tam Son authorities decided to revive the traditional festival, restoring this long-standing cultural tradition.

During the ceremony, the people carry palanquins and offer sacrifices, praying for favorable weather, peace, and prosperity for the nation; the festival includes cultural exchanges, sports competitions, and folk games such as human chess, tug-of-war, blindfolded goat catching, etc., contributing to preserving and spreading the local cultural identity.

Alongside the festival, efforts to educate the younger generation about heritage have also been intensified. Since 2023, Binh Son Tower has been included in the "Local Educational Materials" program, taught in schools throughout the area.

Mr. Vu Quang Manh, Deputy Principal in charge of Hoang Hoa Tham Secondary School, said : "The school regularly organizes extracurricular activities for students to visit Binh Son Tower. Through these visits, students gain a better understanding of the history, architecture, and cultural value of the monument, thereby fostering love for their homeland and national pride."

Beyond being a spiritual destination, Binh Son Tower regularly welcomes archaeological research teams, documentary filmmakers, and tourists from all over. This activity has contributed to promoting the local image and opening up potential for developing cultural and spiritual tourism associated with historical relics.

However, according to local leaders, due to the passage of time and the impact of weather, Vinh Khanh Pagoda is currently in a state of serious deterioration. Many structural components are rotten and no longer able to withstand the load, and some areas at risk of collapse have been temporarily supported by pillars. If not promptly restored, the monument could face the risk of collapse, especially during prolonged periods of rain and storms.

Many structural components of Vinh Khanh Pagoda are rotting and in danger of collapsing, requiring temporary support with pillars.

In response to this situation, the People's Committee of Tam Son commune sent a document to the People's Committee of Phu Tho province and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, requesting their attention and urgent direction in implementing a restoration and preservation project to protect the historical site.

According to Plan No. 91 dated April 15, 2025, of the People's Committee of Vinh Phuc province (formerly), the preservation and restoration of the relic complex has been specifically phased. The 2025-2030 period focuses on marking the protected area, conducting archaeological excavations of the Vinh Khanh pagoda foundation, and researching the scientific basis for the restoration, repair, and embellishment of the relic's structures.

Furthermore, the period from 2031 to 2035 will focus on investing in the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of Binh Son Tower and Vinh Khanh Pagoda, preserving the artifacts at the site, and preventing termite infestation. Simultaneously, investments will be made in projects that enhance the value of the site, such as installing signposts, constructing walking paths, parking lots, and tourism services.

Specifically, Vinh Khanh Pagoda has been included in the DA-01 project group and a detailed project plan will be developed for implementation in the period 2031-2035. Despite having a clear roadmap, the government and people of Tam Son commune earnestly request the province to consider supporting and expediting several urgent items, especially the protection of Vinh Khanh Pagoda, in order to promptly prevent the risk of deterioration, ensure the safety of tourists, and preserve the integrity of the heritage value.

Mr. Le Trung, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Tam Son commune, emphasized: “Vinh Khanh Pagoda and Binh Son Tower are treasures of our homeland, possessing special historical and architectural value. The locality will continue to closely coordinate with all levels and sectors to implement the restoration plan approved by the province, while proactively taking temporary protective and reinforcement measures to ensure the safety of the relics.”

The local government and people of Tam Son commune earnestly hope that the Binh Son Tower and Vinh Khanh Pagoda will be restored and renovated soon.

Preserving and promoting the value of Binh Son Tower is not only the responsibility of the local authorities but also requires the joint efforts of all levels of government, sectors, the community, and tourists. With proper investment in restoration and sustainable tourism planning, Binh Son Tower will certainly become an important tourist highlight, both preserving heritage and promoting socio-economic development and improving the lives of the people.

With its exceptional architectural, artistic, historical, and spiritual value, Binh Son Tower deserves to be protected and promoted as a priceless national treasure, so that it may forever be a source of pride for the people of Tam Son commune, as well as for Phu Tho province and the entire country.

Van Cuong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/uy-nghi-thap-co-ben-dong-lo-giang-240099.htm